Qatar

Renowned Italian ship, Amerigo Vespucci, “the most beautiful vessel in the world” according to Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi, will dock at Old Doha Port on December 17, coinciding with Qatar National Day (QND) to mark the long-standing friendship and cultural co-operation between Qatar and Italy.“We will bring here the most beautiful vessel in the world, a ship that is almost 100 years old and that has been continuously operational since the 1930s, every year,” Toschi told Gulf Times. “It will be in Doha until December 21 and the public will have the opportunity to visit it.”“Vespucci is a sign of our friendship in four different ways,” the ambassador said. “One is peace, because this vessel travels the world...it is now doing a world tour of over 30 countries. Qatar is the first in the region in this tour, and it is a sign of direct friendship, peace and dialogue with Qatar.”“Second is education, as this ship is used to train naval officers today, as it was 100 years ago,” he continued. “It is a very different ship from those built nowadays, as it stands as a testimony of how traditional knowledge could still be fundamental in facing today’s challenges and upskill future generations.”“In our view, education is about having perspective on the past to be able to read the future,” Toschi noted.“Third is environment, because this ship studies the health of the oceans and of marine life,” the ambassador said. “We feel this is something that connects us with Qatar very directly.”“Finally, fourth is inclusion,” he stated. “Alongside the Vespucci, we will welcome to Doha the catamaran Spirito di Stella, which is also on a parallel world tour with the project ‘Wheels on Waves’.”“The boat is entirely designed to function with a crew of people who are carrying disabilities,” Toschi said. “Doha’s public is invited to join us in this activity and concerned locals are encouraged and able to sail and be part of this visit and of this experience.”Going back to the Vespucci, the envoy said the public can visit the ship’s website www.tourvespucci.it and book their visits.“Next to the Old Port, there will be what we call ‘Villaggio Italia’,” Toschi said. “It is a village where the public of Doha, visitors and residents, can access for free and experience Italian culture, whether it is food, fashion, design, music among others.”“We consider this our contribution to celebrating Qatar National Day,” he added.Meanwhile, the envoy noted that Italy chaired G7 summit this year and Qatar was invited for the final meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs.“It is a year of tension and challenges in the international agenda in the Middle East and in Europe,” he remarked. “We wanted to finish on a note of dialogue and openness to the Middle East and the Arab world.”“That is why we invited Qatar for the final meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the G7,” Toschi said.“HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi graced the meeting,” he continued. “The goal was to work for peace together, work for peace in Gaza, work for peace in Lebanon.”“At the same time, we are attentively following the last developments in Syria, with the objective of ensuring a peaceful transition which guarantees the civilian population and the political unity of the country,” the envoy said.“We want to bring peace back to the region. We want to de-escalate tensions, we want to make sure that peaceful resolution of dialogue prevails over violent confrontation,” he said. “Qatar has shown to be a very committed diplomatic actor, a very committed mediator even in the face of adversity.”Regarding the trade volume between Qatar and Italy, the ambassador said: “The current trade exchange between Italy and Qatar amounts to €3.4bn from January-October this year. In the same period, Italian exports to Qatar rose by 6%, making Italy Qatar’s 3rd global and first European trade supplier.”

Education Above All ( EAA) Foundation, a global development and education foundation, concluded its Doha Forum participation with a high-level panel discussion focused on debt, innovative financing, and solutions to support education.The session aligned with Doha Forum’s objectives of creating a collaborative platform for addressing global issues, promoting sustainable solutions, and fostering impactful networks.Global thought leaders participated in the panel discussion, including Paula Ingabire, minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, Rwanda, Fahad al-Sulaiti, director-general of the Qatar Fund For Development; Laura Frigenti, CEO, Global Partnership for Education; Dr Hiba Ahmed, director-general of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, Islamic Development Bank; Fatima Yasmin, vice-president, Asian Development Bank; and moderated by Dr Safwan Masry, dean of Georgetown University in Qatar.EAA Foundation and its partners addressed three interconnected themes: the high number of out-of-school children, the education funding gap intensified by rising debt burdens, and innovative solutions to tackle these global challenges.The panel provided insights into education access, quality, and relevance, focusing on how rising debt pressures influence education budgets. Participants explored partnership-driven approaches to increasing domestic education spending, presented alternative funding models, and introduced a country pilot initiative as a new model for educational financial sustainability.Mohammed al-Kubaisi, acting CEO of EAA Foundation, said: “As we confront significant funding challenges faced by low-income and low-middle-income countries in financing education, our discussion at the Doha Forum reflects EAA Foundation’s commitment to providing equitable access to quality education across the globe.The recent Unesco GEM Report 1 highlights a national average financing gap of $97bn per year to achieve SDG 4, emphasising the critical need for innovative funding solutions. Through creative financial solutions and inclusive investments, we can bridge the gap, empower future generations, and build a more equitable and prosperous future.”EAA has provided educational opportunities to over 19mn out-of-school children and youth across 60 countries, leveraging nearly $3bn in co-funding through strategic partnerships.

The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, represented by the Department of Mosques, has opened a new mosque in Al Sheehaniya City. Spread over an area of 7,027sq m, the mosque can accommodate 820 male and female worshippers, according to an Awqaf statement. The opening is part of Awqaf’s plan to expand the number of mosques in all regions of the country, keeping pace with urban and population growth, which is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. With number MS 1413, the mosque has a main prayer hall with space for 600 male worshippers in addition to a women’s hall for 220 worshippers. The mosque also includes a spacious ablution place in addition to a large number of public parking lots, several of which are allocated to persons with disabilities. The entrances and exits of the mosque are disability-friendly. The mosque also has a tall minaret. The Department of Engineering Affairs at the ministry is concerned with fulfilling the needs of the regions in the country for mosques and prayer grounds while providing temporary mosques and supervising their preservation as well as preparing the annual plan for the maintenance of mosques and imams’ residences. These are in co-ordination with the competent authorities. For mosque designs, the department takes into account the requirements of different areas along with the guidelines for green and sustainable buildings and preserving the aesthetics of heritage in designs that reflect the authenticity of Qatari and Islamic heritage by the highest standards. The ministry’s plans to build mosques also take into account the population density map along with engineering, architectural specifications, and heritage aspects within the framework of caring for the mosques to perform worship and serve the worshippers. Awqaf’s website allows users to search for mosque locations geographically, according to the global navigation system, through accurate and specific maps that facilitate access to mosque locations in all cities across the country.

The Shura Council participated in the meetings of the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs and Sustainable Development of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), which concluded Monday in Manama, Bahrain.During the two-day meetings, the Shura Council was represented by the member of the Shura Council and Vice-President of the APA engineer Ahmed bin Hitmi al-Hitmi and Shura Council member Saoud bin Jassim al-Buainain.The committee meetings discussed Asian economic and development issues, and the coordination of parliamentary efforts to support sustainable development goals. Draft resolutions supporting parliamentary co-operation on economic and climate issues were also discussed.In his remarks during the meeting, al-Hitmi discussed Qatar’s efforts in the process of economic diversification and the efforts aimed at attracting investment, in an effort to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 in establishing a diversified and competitive economy based on knowledge and innovation. Ahmed bin Hitmi al-Hitmi and Saoud bin Jassim al-Buainain participated in the meeting of the APA Executive Office, where the report of the APA Secretary-General was discussed, in addition to discussing the draft resolutions of the standing committees, including the project to support Asian parliaments for the Palestinian people, and the draft planning of the APA’s budget for the year 2025.

The Shura Council held its weekly session on Monday under the chairmanship of its Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem. At the outset of the session, the Council welcomed the outcomes of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s state visit to the United Kingdom, stressing its great importance in strengthening strategic relations between the two friendly countries.The Council said that this visit was an opportunity to deepen bilateral co-operation and accelerate progress in common priority files, including enhancing economic growth and strengthening regional security to support global stability.Noting that the Amir’s visit to the UK highlighted the depth and importance of the partnership between the two countries, the Council stressed the significance of enhancing co-operation in various fields, in a way that serves common interests and strengthens the solid bilateral relations.The Shura Council also praised the success of the 22nd edition of the Doha Forum, which reflected Qatar’s leading position as a platform for international dialogue and enhancing understanding between peoples as well as highlighted its role in addressing important global issues and seeking common solutions for them, which contributes to achieving peace and development.Then, HE the Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed al-Mahmoud presented the agenda of the session, during which the minutes of the previous session were approved.During the session, the Council discussed the request for a general discussion submitted by a number of its members on ‘agricultural support mechanisms provided to local farms and the extent of their contribution to enhancing food security.’In this regard, HE al-Ghanem stressed that Qatar, in accordance with the directives of its wise leadership, attaches utmost importance to the agriculture and agricultural production sector since it is one of the key pillars of achieving economic diversification and enhancing food security.He said that the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) included a special axis on food and agriculture, aiming to develop sustainable agricultural technologies and improve local production in order to achieve food security and rationalise the consumption of resources, especially water, which confirms the importance of this sector and reflects the vision of the wise leadership towards achieving agricultural sustainability.For their part, the Council members highlighted that the efforts made by the State and the initiatives it launched to support local farm owners have resulted in a significant increase in local agricultural production in terms of quantity and quality, which enhances the position of Qatari crops in local markets.They noted that these initiatives have helped farm owners market their production at competitive prices and provided them with technical and logistical support.The Shura Council members outlined some of the challenges facing farm owners at the present time such as low prices and the failure to cover production costs which led to the closure of some farms, noting the need to review marketing and support mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production.They pointed to the important role played by the relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Municipality, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Mahaseel for Marketing and Agricultural Services in supervising the implementation of food security support programmes.After extensive discussions, the Council decided to refer the request for general discussion to the Health, General Services and the Environment Committee to study and submit its report on it.The Council also reviewed a draft law amending some provisions of Law No 20 of 2018 regulating tourism, and a draft law amending some provisions of Law No 21 of 2018 regulating business events, referred to it by the esteemed government. It decided to refer them to the Education, Culture, Sport and Information Committee to study them and present its conclusions regarding them.

The “Souq Al Rail”, organised by the Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) in collaboration with several partners, has been attracting a wide audience since its launch at Doha Metro’s Msheireb Station on December 5.The event, which will conclude on December 14, forms part of Qatar Rail’s celebrations for Qatar National Day (QND).Held under the theme *Our Heritage, Our Pride, Souq Al Rail is also part of the “Metro Events” series organised by the company for the public at metro stations throughout the year.According to Qatar Rail, this initiative comes under the company’s long-term strategic plan to transform metro stations into destinations and living communities through active engagements with the public.“We are pleased with the success of the ‘Souq Al Rail’ event and the widespread public engagement with its daily activities and the positive feedback,” Qatar Rail’s Communications and Public Relations director Abdulla Ali al-Mawlawi said in a press statement. “We invite everyone, residents, and visitors alike, to join us at ‘Souq Al Rail’ to share in the festive vibe and enjoy the unique cultural and entertainment activities.”During the event, Msheireb Station, the intersection of Doha Metro’s three lines, transformed into a vibrant cultural and commercial hub adorned with the QND logo and theme.The event blended culture, entertainment, and fostering of national identity.It featured a variety of partner stalls offering QND-themed products and souvenirs.Additionally, there are interactive and family-friendly activities linked to Qatari heritage and its cultural legacy, catering to all family members.The daily schedule for Souq Al Rail runs from 5pm-9pm, Sunday through Thursday, and from 4pm-10pm on Friday and Saturday.Interactive and family-friendly activities, such as the Qatari Ardha sword Dance, a traditional Qatari dress corner, face painting, falconry, a National Day quiz, and storytelling circle, are among the highlights.Since its launch on December 5, the event has witnessed significant turnout, particularly from families and children.Qatar Rail invites residents and visitors seeking a new and festive National Day experience to visit Souq Al Rail by heading to the nearest metro station towards Msheireb Station, where the event is being held.

The Qatar Mediation Forum kicked off in Dohaon Monday with the attendance of senior diplomats and policymakers from around the world, aiming to explore the challenges facing mediators, exchange views, address sensitive issues, and work on their development.In the forum’s opening session, HE Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the UN on Public-Private Partnerships and Islamic Social Finance Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Muraikhi said that Qatar, under the guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, has been and continues to lead mediation efforts on numerous international fronts.He added that Qatar has demonstrated a high capability in dealing with the challenges associated with mediation, creating opportunities for practitioners and academics to engage with various issues related to negotiation and mediation, and linking them to the broader social and humanitarian context. He pointed out that this forum comes at a time when active armed conflicts around the world have reached their highest level since World War II, indicating that the nature of these conflicts has evolved, with battlefields expanding to include civilian-populated areas.Dr al-Muraikhi emphasised that Qatar has adopted innovative approaches to successful mediations and conflict resolution at all levels, either by directly intervening as a mediator in some conflicts, hosting peace agreement negotiations, or supporting research and innovation fields that explore new horizons and strive to create solutions to facilitate mediators’ tasks and help communities overcome the devastating effects of war and conflict.The forum also aims to provide a platform for prominent mediators, diplomats, and policymakers to exchange views on critical global issues, paving the way for continued mediation efforts for both societal and global peace. Director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, Dr Ghassan Elkahlout, said that for Qatar, mediation is deeply rooted and part of the state’s constitutional and normative identity, reflecting a belief that dialogue and trust are the cornerstone of sustainable peace.He added that Qatar has worked over the years to facilitate agreements, foster dialogue, and host platforms like this forum, affirming the conviction that even the most difficult conflicts can benefit from open communication channels.Dr Elkahlout also mentioned that conflicts are escalating, and peace agreements are becoming increasingly rare, which is concerning, as it not only deepens human suffering but also threatens stability, trapping communities in cycles of violence.UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator, Martin Griffiths, said that Qatar has been and continues to be a leader in mediation, making significant efforts in Gaza to achieve a ceasefire and serving as a professional mediator in this context.He emphasised the importance of enhancing international co-operation in mediation amidst the dilemmas facing this field, noting that professional mediation relies on treating all parties equally to achieve the desired goal. The Qatar Mediation Forum 2024 is organised in partnership with the Doha Forum and by the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, aiming to contribute to the development of Qatar’s strategy to support mediation and enhance capacities in mediation and humanitarian diplomacy within the Arab and Islamic world.

Qatar Tourism announced that the 21st Doha Jewelry and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) will be held from January 30 to February 5 , 2025 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.In a press release, Qatar Tourism pointed out that in marking its 21st edition, the event will continue to feature international brands alongside emerging Qatari designers, offering a platform to highlight expertise and craftsmanship in the industry.As one of the largest B2B and B2C exhibitions in the region, DJWE connects global industry leaders with discerning customers, creating opportunities for business growth and exclusive networking. Visitors can expect a diverse showcase of collections and an opportunity to engage directly with industry experts.

Media City Qatar and Google Cloud have launched Monday an innovative initiative to mark National Day, merging cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology with public creativity aimed at producing an artwork that reflects the country’s collective spirit.Titled ‘Qatar ArtBeat, this unique project was unveiled at Msheireb Museums and will run until December 17. It urges all Qatar residents to share their thoughts and feelings about the Qatar National Day (QND) by responding to five questions posed on Media City Qatar’s social media platforms.Google Cloud's Vertex AI, Gemini models, and BigQuery will analyse social media sentiment surrounding QND to generate a stunning national artwork, set to be unveiled on December 18 on Media City Qatar’s social media and through public projections.“We’ve been thinking this initiative for quite sometime and QND is a very prestigious event, it’s been with us since 1878. We wanted to do something unique for the nation... a digital celebration, it is not like fireworks, it is not like going out on the Corniche, (but) you celebrate through your emotions, through your feelings,” Media City Qatar CEO Eng. Jassim Mohamed al-Khori told reporters on the sidelines of the event.Analysing social media conversations both on Media City Qatar’s channels and across broader platforms, organisers noted that this digital artwork uniquely blends innovation, tradition, and national pride into a single breathtaking masterpiece.“Combining advanced AI technology with public participation, this initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, showcasing how innovation and culture can come together to create something with the potential to capture the world’s attention.“Qatar ArtBeat’ is our way of giving back to the community, celebrating our shared identity on an unprecedented scale,” Eng. al-Khori stressed.He pointed out that the goal is to broadly engage community members of all ages, including children with parental supervision using mobile phones to interact with Media City’s social media accounts (Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook and the website).He noted that Gen Z and Alpha generations, known for their quick responses and emotional expressiveness, are encouraged to participate. The straightforward questions cover topics such as feelings about QND, hobbies, favourite places, and national sports.Looking forward, al-Khori said more digital transformation initiatives are planned as Media City Qatar anticipates collaborating with the community, not just on major international and national events, but also on smaller, more frequent projects.He stressed that Media City Qatar aims to support the creative industry and foster a thriving creative hub by meeting its needs.According to the organisers, Qatar ArtBeat reflects Media City Qatar’s commitment to advancing next-generation media, technology, and creativity. By championing innovation and amplifying diverse voices, it accelerates the evolution of the creative industry, promotes economic diversification, and seamlessly integrates heritage with innovation through initiatives that inspire, connect, and define the future of media.“Qatar ArtBeat is a testament to the transformative power of technology in bringing communities together. This partnership with Media City Qatar showcases how Google Cloud’s AI can go beyond innovation to create meaningful cultural experiences.“By blending cutting-edge technology with the voices of the people, Qatar ArtBeat captures the collective identity of a nation in a way that is both groundbreaking and deeply personal. We are honoured to support this visionary initiative, which celebrates Qatar’s commitment to progress, creativity, and unity,” Google Cloud regional general manager Ghassan Kosta said in a statement.

Al Abdulghani Motors, the authorised distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, celebrated 60 years of partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), with a grand celebration at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). TMC's India, Middle East, East Asia & Oceania Region CEO Masakazu Yoshimura, India & Middle East Division general manager Masaru Shimada, Japanese ambassador to Qatar Hisajima Naoto, Al Abdulghani Motors CEO Abdulghani Nasser al-Abdulghani and other dignitaries were present. Speaking on the occasion, al-Abdulghani, said: “As we celebrate 60 years of this partnership, I recognie that the legacy of our grandfathers is not only their success but also the values we inherited from them. Trust, commitment, and the nurturing of long-term relationships are key principles that we cherish. Your Trust, Our Foundation is not just a motto, but our promise and commitment to our customers. We will do our utmost to uphold this trust, continuing to offer the best to our customers and our beloved Qatar.” Yoshimura, said: “For 60 years, Al Abdulghani Motors and Toyota have maintained a strong and trusted partnership, a bond that has remained steadfast across generations. We will continue inventing our path forward together over the next 60 years as they remain a vital partner for Toyota in Qatar.” The event honoured Qatar’s cultural heritage with a performance of the Qatari Ardha, a traditional dance symbolising strength and unity. The attendees were also treated to a Japanese cultural show, reflecting the strong ties between the two nations, a statement added.

The Ministry of Municipality Fisheries Department in cooperation with the Projects and Development Department inaugurated Al Wakra Boats House in Al Wakrah Area as part of its ongoing efforts to develop the marine infrastructure there.The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ismail al-Sheikh, assistant director of the Fisheries Department, alongside a number of officials and employees from the Ministry of Municipality.Engineer Suleiman Saeed Abdullah, director of the Projects and Development Department at the Ministry of Municipality, said: "Following the directives of HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, Al Wakrah Boats House project was implemented according to the highest sophisticated global standards to ensure the project's long-term sustainability. The surrounding pier was developed using high-quality basalt rocks that withstand water, waves, marine plants, and environmental changes."He added that the boats house spans 37m in length and 13m in width, making it capable of accommodating many boats. High-quality concrete materials were used in its construction, making it capable of handling boats with loads ranging between 40 to 50 tonnes. He also noted that the project was completed in a record time of just a month and a half under the supervision of Emaar Company in partnership with Ecovert Company.Engineer Abdullah further pointed out that the ministry, represented by the Projects and Development Department, aims to award the operation and management of four fishing harbours to the private sector in the near future, which is part Ministry’s 2024-2030 strategy to engage the private sector within the national development projects. Accordingly, the fishing harbours in Al Wakra, Al Khor, Al Thakhira, and Al Ruwais will be managed by the private sector for a period of three years.Al-Sheikh stressed the Fisheries Department is committed to providing the best services to fishermen and boat owners, including the development of fishing ports and their services. These include providing alarm and fire suppression systems, CCTV monitoring, boat launch ramps, fuel stations, and administrative offices to serve fishermen and sea goers, in addition to the other essential services for fishing boats and vessels."We are working on developing several fishing harbours in the country in collaboration with the Projects and Development Department, enhancing the country's efforts to improve fishing ports," he said.Al Wakra Boats House is expected to boost local fishing activities and enhance the related efforts of fishermen and boat owners in the country.

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) conducted a readiness exercise to enhance its capacity for managing mass casualty incidents. The exercise was carried out across six PHCC health centres: Al Sadd, Leabaib, Al Mashaf, Qatar University, Muaither, and Al Wajbah.Mass casualty incidents pose significant challenges to healthcare systems, requiring effective preparedness and response strategies. Such incidents can result from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, unnatural accidents, or pandemics, leading to an overwhelming number of victims that exceed the capacity of local emergency services.The primary goal of the comprehensive mass casualty management exercise was to evaluate the performance of the current system in handling a mass casualty incident affecting PHCC health centres. It aimed to validate the effectiveness of existing plans and protocols, identify strengths to reinforce, address weaknesses, and enhance collaboration and communication across departments to achieve shared goals.The exercise aimed to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the Major Incident Command Centre in activating, coordinating, and managing health centres during mass casualty incidents. It also aimed to evaluate the ability of community healthcare centre and emergency response team to effectively activate and manage clinical operations, resource allocation, security services, and business continuity during a mass casualty incident.The exercise simulated a realistic mass casualty incident using a scenario that involved role-playing by real actors to mimic the impact of the event on health centres. In addition to the six health centres, the exercise also engaged MICC and lasted approximately seven hours.The exercise aims to achieve increased readiness and capacity to respond to mass emergencies within PHCC health centres; improved collaboration protocols and communication systems among various departments among other objectives.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) hosted a panel discussion, ‘Evolving Jurisdictions of the ICC (International Criminal Court) and ICJ (International Court of Justice), at the Doha Forum, which concluded Sunday.The session brought together a distinguished group of legal experts to discuss the crucial roles of the ICC and the ICJ in addressing ongoing global conflicts, with a focus on the cases of Palestine and Israel, Sudan, and other current global crises.Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, the discussion explored the ICC and ICJ’s responses to war crimes, territorial disputes, and breaches of international humanitarian law in regions experiencing acute conflict. Specific attention was given to how international courts navigate the legal challenges surrounding the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Israel, as well as Sudan.The panellists highlighted the courts’ jurisdictional limitations and the need for global cooperation to ensure justice and accountability.The panel was chaired by Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, president of QICDRC and former chief justice of England and Wales. Panelists included Sir Adrian Fulford, former Judge of the ICC who conducted its first-ever trial, former vice president of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), and advisor to ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan; Victoria Prentis, former Attorney General of England and Wales; Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, Barrister specialising in public international law; and Sienho Yee, Professor of International Law and Director, Chinese Institute of International Law at China Foreign Affairs University.“The ICC and ICJ are indispensable in upholding the principles of justice, especially in cases like Palestine and Israel and Sudan, where the need for accountability and the rule of law are paramount. This panel provided a valuable platform to explore how these institutions can respond effectively to such crises,” said Lord Thomas.“The conflicts in Palestine and Israel, as well as Sudan, highlight the necessity for robust international legal mechanisms. This session reinforced the importance of adapting these systems to address evolving global challenges and ensure justice is served," according to Fulford.

In celebration of Qatar National Day, QNB announced the launching of a limited-time special interest rate offer, providing its retail customers a “unique experience”, which “combines banking convenience with national pride”, from December 10 to 31.Successful applicants for new personal or vehicle loans, whether new and existing customers, will enjoy a special rate starting from 3.99% per year and 18 lucky winners of the prize draw will enjoy 18,000 additional Life Rewards points each, offering them a wide range of redemption options .Adel Ali Al Malki, Executive Vice President of QNB Group Retail Banking said, “Qatar National Day is a special occasion for us to celebrate pride and unity. Once again this year, we are launching a promotional campaign that offers added value through special interest rate and additional reward points, bringing financial benefits to our customers while fostering a sense of national belonging.”QNB Group is one of the leading financial institutions in the MEA region and among the most valuable banking brands in the regional market.Present in some 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, it offers tailored products and services supported by innovation and backed by a team of over 31,000 professionals dedicated to driving banking excellence worldwide.

Dukhan Bank announced the names of the most recent draw winners for Thara’a, its Shariah compliant savings account.The draw was conducted under the supervision of a representative of the Qualitative License and Market Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.In the draw, cash prize worth QR5,000 was won by Ameena Jesaimani, Megahed Attia, Mohammed Nassar, Faheem Sultana, Nasser al-Azzawi, Imran Thuwan, Alhanouf al-Emadi, Helen Kwan, Hamid Abdelkader, Maysoon Mahmood, Ranya al-Ansari, Ahmad al-Kuwari, Raafat Abdallah, Ali Uzun, Rashid al-Mohannadi, Modhi Najaah, Abdulla al-Buainain, Firas Daffar, Belal Abdelkarim, Amna Ghazali, Noor Alkilani, Maricar Benitez, Shaikha al-Baker, Jassim al-Tamimi, Taha Alavi, Abdulla al-Naemi, Layana Atari, Hala Elhalabi, Fatima Ali, and Abdulaziz al-Mutawaa.Dukhan Bank continues its customer-centric approach with the unveiling of its campaign for the Thara’a savings account, reaffirming its commitment to rewarding clients.Departing from the previous annual grand prize structure of one million Qatari riyals for a solitary winner, the enhanced campaign now boasts a collective grand prize of QR3mn, distributed among three fortunate individuals.Additionally, the initiative introduces 30 monthly winners, each contending for a 5,000 Qatari riyals prize, resulting in a noteworthy increase in the total prizes awarded to customers – a grand total of 273, with a cumulative value of 4,350,000mn Qatari riyals.Coupled with cash prizes and a reward scheme, Thara’a is a product full of value-added benefits and services, and it offers account holders access to Dukhan Bank’s innovative banking channels.Customers may learn about the many benefits of Thara’a savings account by visiting Dukhan Bank’s website dukhanbank.com, or by calling the Contact Centre on 800 8555 or ask ‘Rashid’, Dukhan Bank’s virtual assistant, on the website, mobile app or via WhatsApp on 44100888.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held an official talks session with President of the Dominican Republic Luis Rodolfo Abinader, at the Amiri Diwan Monday.The two sides discussed ways to boost bilateral relations across various areas, especially in investment and economy. They also exchanged views on the key regional and international issues and developments of common concern.The session was attended by HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al-Thani, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, along with several senior officials.On the Dominican side, it was attended by Minister of Finance Jose Manuel Vicente, Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos, Advisor to the President Jose Miguel Bonetti, along with several senior officials, members of the delegation accompanying the president.Agreements signedQatar and the Dominican Republic signed Monday an agreement, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a joint statement for co-operation, on the sidelines of the visit of President of the Dominican Republic Luis Rodolfo Abinader.The two governments inked an agreement aimed at promoting and protecting their mutual investments, and the two countries' central banks signed an MoU.The ministries of interior of the two nations signed a joint statement for co-operation across areas of security and combating crime.The signing ceremony was attended by a number of the ministers and senior officials and the members of the official delegation accompanying President Abinader.

Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), unveiled a groundbreaking search engine for career development terms.Developed in collaboration with the Translation and Training Center (TTC) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Asia Pacific Career Development Association (APCDA), this specialized platform provides the first-of-its-kind, comprehensive glossary of career development terms translated into Arabic.This pioneering platform goes beyond a static glossary. It presents a dynamic, continuously evolving database of standardized Arabic career development terms paired with their English equivalents. The platform is also equipped with a powerful search engine that allows users to find terms and their definitions within fractions of a second.This significant advancement ensures users have access to the latest definitions and concepts in career guidance and development, tailored to the rapid advancements in the field.It provides detailed definitions of specialized career development terms with multi-dimensional explanations. This makes it an invaluable resource for researchers, practitioners, career and academic counselors, and industry professionals, ultimately elevating the quality of career guidance services throughout the region.Commenting on the launch, Acting Director of QCDC Saad Abdulla Al-Kharji stated that "the launch of the Arabic version of the third edition of the APCDA Glossary of Career Development Terms represents a strategic milestone in solidifying the Arabic languages position within professional and scientific fields. We are honored to collaborate with the HBKUs TTC and the APCDA, whose contributions enable us to empower Arab career practitioners to provide top-tier career guidance services to our youth."He added that this achievement is the result of fruitful cooperation with the Translation and Training Center at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and the Asia Pacific Career Development Association.For his part, Executive Director of APCDA Arun Mital, praised the innovative approach taken by QCDC in delivering the APCDA Glossary in Arabic language, stressing that "the new version of the Glossary of Career Development Terms developed by QCDC is indeed an exciting new way of using the APCDA Glossary, both for Arabic speakers and English speakers. The improved communication achieved within our field by making career development terms easily understandable truly builds bridges across diverse cultures."Acting Director of HBKUs Translation and Training Center Mazen Alfarhan, stated "the release of the Arabic version of the third edition of the APCDA Glossary of Career Development Terms marks a pivotal step in advancing linguistic accessibility in the field of career development. We take pride in contributing to this landmark initiative, motivated by our steadfast commitment at Hamad Bin Khalifa University to preserving the Arabic language and ensuring its adaptability to diverse professional contexts".As the pioneering comprehensive Arabic linguistic reference in the career development field, this platform opens new avenues for the Arab region to contribute significantly to this vital field. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to preserve the Arabic language and enhance its presence in academic and professional domains, preparing Arab communities to effectively navigate the challenges of the future labor market

President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame left Doha on Monday after taking part in the Doha Forum 2024.His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were seen off upon departure from Hamad International Airport by HE Director of Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Yousif Fakhro, and Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the State of Qatar Igor Marara Kainamura.

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip needs political will, especially since the formula of the agreement between the two parties was acceptable, but there was political exploitation of this matter, so Qatar decided to stop its role as a mediator because it did not want to be used as a tool in this conflict.In a discussion panel entitled "The Future of US Strategy in the Middle East Following the 2024 Election," held as part of the second and final day of the Doha Forum 2024, Al Ansari voiced the State of Qatar's optimism about the next stage, especially since US President-elect Donald Trump seeks to find solutions to the region's problems. He noted that this is a promising matter and pressure must be exerted on all parties to end this conflict and rebuild the region.During the discussion panel that was moderated by Director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Middle East Program Jonathan Panikoff and attended by HE Former White House Middle East Envoy during Trump's first administration and Founder of Abraham Ventures Limited Jason Greenblatt, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, and Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House Dr. Sanam Vakil, Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar looks forward to continuing to work with the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, especially since both countries have a long record of cooperation in various areas in the past, which Qatar hopes to continue in the future.He voiced his hope to enhance positive dialogues and constructive discussions between the United States and the region's countries, and not to marginalize these countries as happened with some regions in the world.The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that during the Arab Spring, Qatar dealt with the administration of President Barack Obama at the time, and continued to work with the administration of President Donald Trump on many files. Qatari cooperation with the administration of President Joe Biden also continued, especially with regard to the current conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories in several areas, particularly the issue of mediation for a ceasefire.He pointed out the importance of enhancing dialogue between the countries of the region, focusing on the interests of all, and transcending the specific or subsidiary interests of each country, to achieve global peace and prosperity. In this context, he noted that if any problem occurs in Washington, the Middle East will be affected by it.He stressed that the continuation of wars affects the future generations, adding trust in governments and the international community is already diminishing when talking about the killing of 50,000 people in the Gaza Strip to date in view of the state of paralysis experienced by the international community which stands helpless in dealing with this matter until now.It may be impossible to reach an agreement on all the details of how to deal with the Palestinian issue or any other issue, but we must all agree to stop the bloodshed immediately, he said.Al Ansari continued by saying that they must all deal with all parties and put pressure on them before starting to discuss any future because pressure on both sides is essential and necessary in any type of mediation, especially since it takes place between conflicting parties and not friendly ones.He reiterated that the State of Qatar exerted all its efforts and capabilities in this regard, but its capabilities as a mediating party remain limited. When Qatar wanted to use its capabilities, it froze its mediation until the circumstances are favorable for that. It also confirmed that it is re-evaluating its role and using all its capabilities in this context without pressuring one party at the expense of the other.Participants in the discussion session expressed deep appreciation for Qatar's efforts in mediation, conflict resolution and dispute resolution in the region and the world along with its important role in returning hostages and prisoners to their homelands.During the session, they touched on the escalation of events in the Middle East, especially the situation in the Arab region, calling on the United States of America to exert pressure to establish peace and restore security and stability in the region.They pointed out that the devastation caused by the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and the resulting humanitarian crisis, are originally due to the continued increasing tensions that the region has been witnessing for a long time, expressing their concerns about the influence of non-state actors on the region by challenging the approach of President Trump’s administration in dealing with regional crises in the region as a whole.They called on the United States of America to adopt clearer goals for its future policies in the Middle East region and to work on strengthening relations and alliances between the countries of the region; with the aim of launching a new, more peaceful phase, and in a way that contributes to confronting the increasing challenges facing the world today.They further said that the countries of the region do not want wars to break out, given the multiple consequences that would result from that which would make matters more complicated. They also noted the importance of working to promote understandings and enhance constructive dialogue between the various parties to realize the interests of all in security and stability.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani has said that following the US elections, momentum has returned to negotiations aimed at reaching a truce and exchanging hostages in the Gaza Strip.At a dialogue session on Conflict Resolution in a New Era within the activities of the Doha Forum 2024, which kicked off yesterday, HE Sheikh Mohammed said that there is much encouragement from the incoming US administration to reach an agreement, even before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.He added that this has prompted a return to the negotiations, putting it back on track, with activity having resumed in the past weeks.HE the Prime Minister said that there will be some differences in the approach of the Biden administration and that of the Trump administration to certain issues and matters.This approach, he added, affects the decisions taken and what happens on the ground.However, HE Sheikh Mohammed said: “We have not noticed any differences or rejection by the (incoming) administration regarding the main goal, which is to end the war in Gaza.”Speaking on the many fluctuations that the negotiations have witnessed since the beginning of the war, he said that a deal was reached on November 23, 2023, under which 109 Israeli hostages and 15 foreign hostages were released in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners.Since then, HE Sheikh Mohammed added, the same process and the same framework have continued, with discussions within this framework continuing until today.He added that they went through several stages during the negotiation process, in which this process was exploited for political reasons by one party or another, and they went through a lot of scrutiny and examination because one party or another tried to score political points.HE the Prime Minister said that the momentum of the negotiations had slackened significantly in the last days before the US elections, with a clear weakening of will and readiness to reach a conclusion to the events that were sweeping the Strip.At that moment, he said, Qatar decided to take a step back, similar to what it did in April, to see if there was a possibility of regaining this momentum.HE Sheikh Mohammed stressed that this issue affects many people, whether the residents of Gaza or the families of the hostages.Unfortunately, he said, given the way things were managed this year and the exposure of all these details to the public, raising the level of hope among the innocent people had negative effects “because we felt frustrated every time as a result of these disappointments”.“That’s why we’re focused on achieving meaningful results,” HE the Prime Minister said, “and what we expect and hope for is that we reach results as soon as possible.”“All parties have a real will to deal with things in good faith,” he added.HE Sheikh Mohammed said that the gaps and points of difference between Hamas and Israel are not big and are not of a magnitude that would affect the negotiations.“The question is simple: Is there a will to end the war – ‘Yes or no’,” he said. “And is there a will to reach an exchange deal – ‘Yes or no’. Two simple questions, and two simple answers.”He also spoke on the developments in Syria, of which he said there were two factors.HE the Prime Minister said that the first factor was related to the current events in Gaza, in which Qatar had warned against the expansion of the conflict and the consequences of the war in Gaza on the entire region.Qatar noticed the expansion of this situation and the extension of this conflict, he said, whether to Lebanon, the Red Sea, or other areas within the Middle East, and expressed that it is wrong to consider Syria immune to this conflict.The second factor, HE Sheikh Mohammed said, is related to ignoring the situation in Syria.He said that there had been a golden opportunity for peace during the period when the fighting had calmed down.However, this opportunity was not seized by Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to begin correcting his relationship with his people, whether regarding the return of refugees or displaced persons, or reconciliation.HE the Prime Minister continued by saying that everyone in the world was surprised by the events witnessed in Syria in the past few days, and the speed in which it occurred.This situation may develop and the danger increase, HE Sheikh Mohammed added, expressing concern about the escalation of the situation and the return of internal violence and civil war that threaten the territorial integrity of the Syrian state.