The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) on Saturday organized the closing workshop for the preliminary assessment project of the Minamata Convention on Mercury in the State of Qatar. This was done in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention, with the participation of several relevant national entities.The workshop aimed to review the final results of the project, which included preparing the initial national inventory of mercury and its compounds, estimating national emissions across various sectors, and assessing the legislative and regulatory framework for mercury management in the country.The preliminary assessment of the Minamata Convention falls within the framework of the State of Qatar's efforts to identify sources of mercury emissions, evaluate and develop laws regulating its management, build institutional capacity among relevant authorities and stakeholders, assess the associated health and environmental impacts, and develop national strategies to reduce its risks.The workshop program included a presentation of the project's outputs, encompassing the estimation of emissions and releases into the air, water, and soil, and the identification of gaps in relevant national laws and regulations. It also addressed future steps for developing a comprehensive national mercury management program that aligns with the requirements of the Minamata Convention and international best practices.The workshop further highlighted the efforts of participating national entities in collecting data and providing the necessary information for preparing the national inventory. This reflects the level of coordination and institutional integration among the entities responsible for managing chemicals and hazardous waste.The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change emphasized that organizing this workshop reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to international agreements, particularly the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which the State acceded to by Decree No. (14) of 2021. The Ministry also stressed the importance of continuing to develop national capacities and enhance legislative and regulatory frameworks, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.The Minamata Convention is one of the most prominent international agreements aimed at protecting human health and the environment from emissions and waste resulting from mercury and its compounds. It was adopted in 2013 and entered into force in August 2017, and it constitutes an international framework for regulating the use of mercury and reducing its risks.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised Qatar's organisation of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, saying the tournament was delivered to the highest international standards. In a statement, Sheikh Salman said Qatar's strong organisation, modern infrastructure and adherence to top technical and operational standards helped present the competition in a way that reinforced the country's position as a leading host of major global sporting events. He added that the tournament's success reflected effective cooperation between FIFA and continental and national football bodies, and highlighted the role of regional competitions in strengthening competitiveness, developing talent and promoting sportsmanship. Sheikh Salman, who also serves as FIFA’s First Vice-President, congratulated Morocco on winning the title after their 3-2 victory over Jordan in the final, describing the achievement as a reflection of the team's high technical level and the strong international standing of Moroccan football. He also praised Jordan's runners-up finish, saying the team's consistent performances demonstrated the clear progress of Jordanian football and its growing regional and international ambitions.